Battling back from consecutive season-ending knee injuries, Ashton Craig's resilience fuels his determined return to Notre Dame's offensive line.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game which has been a tough reality for Notre Dame's offensive line. Over the last two seasons in 2024 and 2025, the offensive line has been hit with significant injuries and center Ashton Craig is at the nucleus of that conversation.
The 6-5, 310-pound Indiana native has been lost in back to back years with season ending knee injuries. Now, Craig is gearing up for what will likely be his final season in South Bend. His journey back hasn't been an easy one, but he's putting in the work to return to form.
"It obviously plays a factor on me mentally, but the peace of mind that I have is knowing I've been through it before," Craig shared. "I know what it takes to battle through injuries and the adversity that comes with it. So, I'm just coming to work every day, keeping my head up and just putting the work in. I think that's just huge. I think that's really been beneficial for me, and I think I'm in a really good spot right now."
Despite his recent injury history, Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman have made it clear that he will remain the team's No. 1 center when he's cleared and healthy. That level of trust is built around leadership and the product Craig has put on the field. His injury history isn't ideal, but when he's healthy and on the field, he's one of the better centers in the country.
"It just lets me know the coaches trust me," Craig explained. "I've earned their trust and they believe in me to do the best I can do every play and in every game. And I think that's just huge and it gives me the most confidence in myself when I go out there and play."
While Craig is on the journey back from his second injury, the other five offensive lineman running with the first team are holding things down. Will Black at left tackle, Anthonie Knapp at left guard, Joe Otting at center who started the remainder of the 2025 regular season, Sullivan Absher at right guard and Guerby Lambert at right tackle have been putting in the work.
"They're definitely all working and trying to work together the best they can right now," Craig stated. "Spring's meant to get guys going and attack everything. I think each and every practice, guys are closing that gap and are being the best they can for the guy next to them. It's really awesome to see that, just to have a different perspective and just sit back and watch. I mean, it's really neat to see those guys gelling and doing the best they can for each other."
The talent along the Notre Dame offensive line is outstanding, but it's a better overall unit with Craig on the field. He's a talented player, and always has been. The question for Craig is his health. The work he's putting in this offseason will pay major dividends come the fall. For now, it's about putting in the work necessary to return 100% by the time September and October come around.
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